'Elvis' returns to Benton

March 15, 2013

Three local nonprofit groups will benefit from an upcoming musical event featuring Elvis tribute artist Tony Witt.
The concert, a musical tribute celebrating legendary entertainer Elvis Presley, is coming to the stage of Benton High Schoolâ€™s Butler Auditorium in Benton, Arkansas on Saturday evening, April 6. Show time is 7 p.m.
International Award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist Tony Witt, who resides in the Central Arkansas area, has previously performed many times at the Royal Theatre in Downtown Benton.
For this event, Witt said he will be joined by "Fever, one of the top tribute bands on the circuit today."
Because the concert is a celebration of artistic education and expression in Saline County, Witt noted that proceeds from the show will benefit the Benton High School Music Department, The Royal Players and The Saline County Arts Project.
Witt, an Arkansas native, has been entertaining crowds with his Elvis tribute show since 1989.
He says his musical personality was shaped by not only Elvis, but a wide variety of musical influences ranging from Eddie Arnold, Conway Twitty, Ronnie Milsap and other country legends to rockers like Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Blood, Sweat and Tears, and more.
Having grown up so close to Memphis, he noted that he also enjoys jazz, rhythm and blues and the Motown sound.
Witt is also a musician and has been playing drums and bass since the age of 12. He has done this for both personal pleasure and group performances.
"After being involved in music and musical performance for the last 36 years of my life, I just canâ€™t imagine not doing it," he said. "It just gets in your blood.â€ť
In recognition of his vocal talent, Witt was recently signed to Blue Crystal Records, an independent label.
Every year he performs during Elvis Week in Memphis.
Witt has won multiple awards for his tribute performances, competing with tribute artists from around the world. He is currently ranked second internationally by The Images of The King International Championship, the oldest formally recognized tribute artist contest to date.
In addition, he has received The Spirit of Elvis Award, which is based on the vote of fans and peers alike.
Witt has been compared with other talented tribute artists such as Johnny Harra, Eddie Miles, Doug Church, Shawn Klush and Tony Roi, just to name a few.
Witt says he particularly enjoys the one-on-one contact with audience members.
He has appeared on many television and radio programs and has performed voice-over work for all types of media. He has played the role of â€śElvisâ€ť in music videos and commercials.
This is Witt's first local performance in which he is being joined by the Fever Band, which also has supported other celebrity tributes such as Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline.
Advance general admission tickets for the show are $20 and are on sale now. Tickets are available at area Big Red Stores in Benton, Bryant, and Otter Creek; and Island Hoppers Tanning and Day Spa in Bryant.
Tickets also may be purchased online by visiting Tony Wittâ€™s website at www.tonywitt.com or by calling KingSized Entertainment at 501-952-6005.
On the day of the show, the ticket price will be $25 per person.
Doors will open at 6 p.m.